The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade George D. Switzer (NSN: 0-176808), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron EIGHTY-TWO (VB-82), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), engaged in an eleven-plane attack against a new enemy battleship and its destroyer-cruiser screen near the Naval Base at Kure, Japan, on 19 March 1945. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Switzer dove his aircraft with skill and aggressiveness in a closely coordinated dive bombing attack on this force, his determination and able airmanship contributing vitally to the damage scored on the battleship by repeated direct hits and near misses. His attack was driven home in the face of extremely intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire from the battleship, its nine screening destroyers and cruisers and from surrounding shore batteries. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.